The heart of HELM’s work resides within the network of the whole Church, from the individual congregation which nurtures young people, to the region which connects them to a larger faith community, to the colleges, universities and theological schools that develop their skills in leadership.
HELM walks beside each of these expressions of the Church identifying emerging leaders during their undergraduate and graduate studies. Our great joy is providing support in the form of scholarship and leadership development. We do this in partnership with our general and ecumenical ministries as well as individuals like you.
Recently, a group of Leadership Fellows traveled to Israel-Palestine under the leadership of Dr. Peter Makari, Global Relations Minister for the Middle East and Europe, Global Ministries of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and United Church of Christ. Our students witnessed the world in this sacred place – its profound hope and its lived pain. Leadership is the ability to engage and experience the world as it is with clear, critical, reflective and responsive presence.
Leadership Fellows learn that clarity requires an opportunity to see, hear, smell, taste and touch the world in new and transforming ways. Critical thought requires in-depth study filtered with intellectual and emotional intelligence. Reflection requires personal experience and time. Responsive presence requires humility and courage.
HELM’s Leadership Fellows Global Awareness experiences and Emerging Clergy Leadership Conferences are designed to introduce students to the possibilities and challenges in leadership within the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and in relationship with the world as it is today.
Similarly, HELM connects our institutions of higher learning in dialogue and support of our related presidents, chancellors, deans, faculty, and
campus ministries. Our mission is lifting and amplifying these talented voices as we celebrate institutional advancements and respond to challenges in church, society, and world. We do this work through our Council of Theological Education, Council of Colleges & Universities, and Council on Higher Education Ministries.
Beyond the classroom, HELM supports post-graduate dialogue and reflection through the Association of Disciples in Theological Discussion (ADTD). ADTD brings together outstanding theological minds from across our related institutions to consider the moment in meaningful reflection, theological leadership, and in published contribution addressing pressing issues of our time.
It is my privilege and honor to begin a season of service, together with HELM’s Board of Directors and partners, as we consider the possibilities before us. We will navigate our way forward, valuing the past, embracing the now and expanding directions and resources for the future.